Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old from Lancashire, has pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last year.
Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, Rudakubana admitted to the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, as well as ten counts of attempted murder. He also pleaded guilty to producing ricin and possessing an al Qaeda training manual discovered during subsequent searches of his home.
The attack, which occurred on July 29 at The Hart Space, left eight other children aged between 7 and 13 injured, along with yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time, refused to stand or confirm his name in court but changed his plea to guilty on what was meant to be the first day of his trial. He showed no emotion as the court heard details of the “meticulously planned rampage.”
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle described the attack as “unspeakable,” emphasizing its senseless brutality. “At the start of the school holidays, a day of carefree innocence became a scene of the darkest horror,” she said. Doyle added that Rudakubana showed no sign of remorse and had a “sickening and sustained interest in death and violence.”
Mr. Justice Goose informed Rudakubana that a life sentence was “inevitable” but noted he is not expected to receive a whole-life order due to his age at the time of the crimes. Such orders are typically reserved for offenders aged 21 or older, though they may be considered for those aged 18 to 20 under exceptional circumstances.
The court also heard that Rudakubana had initially entered not-guilty pleas at previous hearings due to his refusal to speak in court.
The attack sparked outrage and misinformation online, with some falsely claiming the suspect was a 17-year-old asylum seeker. The incident led to riots and a wave of violence across the country, starting from Southport.
Rudakubana’s background has come under scrutiny. Born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents who moved to the UK in 2002, he was described by neighbors as a quiet boy from a hardworking family. Teachers, however, reported concerns about his violent behavior during high school, including an incident involving a hockey stick and claims of carrying a knife.
Despite being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, psychiatrists determined Rudakubana did not exhibit signs of a mental health condition requiring hospitalization. Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said he had been unwilling to leave his house or communicate with family in the period leading up to the attack.
None of the victims’ families were present in court, as the trial had been expected to start the following day. The Southport community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, which took place during what should have been a joyful summer activity for children.
The sentencing is scheduled for Thursday.
